It's Always Good to Do Good

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (KJV)

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)

We’ve all been wronged. It doesn’t feel good, and no one likes it. It’s normal to try to think of ways to get even. But, instead of getting bitter and bothered, there’s a better way. I like to say, “Don’t get bitter; do better.” Yes, bad things happen, but it is what we do with it that determines if things improve or if we get bitter and resentful.

My wife and I went to a restaurant recently. It wasn’t a high-priced, swanky restaurant, but a nice one where you expect to get good service and food. The waitress was pleasant, but not attentive in her duties- like leaving dirty salad dishes on the table when she brought the main course and not refilling the water, and so on. To be honest, I don’t expect perfection, but the restaurant was not busy and there was time to do the little things that make for a good experience. I really did not want to tip her. But, God spoke to my heart and said, “Sow mercy and reap mercy.” God was telling me that if I sowed mercy to the waitress, I would reap mercy when I needed it later myself. I left her a good tip and overcame evil with good. I didn’t get bitter; I did better. Later that day, I opened a devotional and read those very words: “Sow mercy and reap mercy.” God was definitely telling me something!

Much of the time, life isn’t fair. However, getting angry never helps. Instead, trust God that He will make it right. We have to do the right thing even when the wrong thing is done to us. When we’re not treated right, we respond with kindness and the right behavior. When we do, God will take care of us and will find a way to work things out for us. As we do good to others, God does good to us. It’s always good to do good.